Date of Award
Summer 7-28-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
August 2026
Department
Marine Science and Oceanography
College Granting Degree
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Department Granting Degree
Marine Science and Oceanography
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Andia Chaves Fonnegra
Abstract
Commercial bath sponge populations have experienced continual declines due to overfishing and recurring cyanobacterial blooms throughout Florida Bay. To avoid population collapse, in situ and ex situ aquaculture restoration efforts have been implemented. However, when growing sponges from larvae, these restoration initiatives face dietary and husbandry challenges. This thesis aimed to identify viable diet sources and conditions to promote the growth and survival of yellow bath sponge (Spongia barbara) recruits collected as larvae from FWC in situ nurseries within FAU HBOI land-based nursery systems. Recruits were placed on dietary trials using microalgae (Tisochrysis galbana), amino acid supplements, Laurencia sp. macroalgal concentrates, and biofloc, administered separately or in paired forms. Amino acid and macroalgae exposure promoted significant growth in recruits but showed no synergistic effects when paired. Biofloc diets promoted no significant growth paired or unpaired. A full amino acid profile of the S. barbara holobiont was generated alongside a new ex situ nursery system model. Overall, the results and insights of this thesis support the upscaling of restoration efforts for Florida’s iconic commercial bath sponges and the advancement of ex situ sponge aquaculture.
Recommended Citation
Gorman, Noah A., "EFFICACY OF DIETS IN COMMERCIAL BATH SPONGES" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 365.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/365